Crime Leads To Vehicle Ban On Augusta Canal

Associated Press

Updated: 4 years ago.

The Augusta Canal bike path. Officials in Augusta are closing the canal to vehicle traffic because of concerns about crime, vandalism, drugs and alcohol. They plan to monitor the situation during the next few weeks and determine whether closing the canal to vehicles has taken care of the problems. (Photo Courtesy of Frank DiBona via Flickr.)

Officials in Augusta are closing the Augusta Canal to vehicle traffic because of concerns about crime, vandalism, drugs and alcohol.

Dayton Sherrouse, executive director of the Augusta Canal Authority, said there has been excessive drinking and speeding by cars when vehicle traffic was allowed. And sheriff's officials said patrols by deputies weren't stopping the spray painting, drug use and other illegal activity going on along the canal and at Aqueduct Park.

City officials said they hope only allowing bikes and foot traffic will put an end to the crime and vandalism.

Sherrouse told WRDW-TV that the plan is to monitor the situation during the next few weeks and determine whether closing the canal to vehicles has taken care of the problems.